News

Vinatieri plans to re-sign with the Colts on a one-year contract, which is expected to be finalized Thursday, Bob Kravitz of WTHR Channel 13 Indianapolis reports.

Analysis: A reunion with Vinatieri and the Colts always looked to be in the cards after the 45-year-old turned in another effective campaign in 2017 while remaining adamant at various points throughout the season that he intended to keep his career going in 2018. Though a weak Colts offense limited Vinatieri to just 109 points last season -- his second-lowest total of the past six seasons -- his scoring output could recover with franchise quarterback Andrew Luck (shoulder) on the mend and expected to be…read more

Published: Wed, Feb 21 at 7:58am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri intends to play a 23rd NFL season in 2018, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Vinatieri indicated after the Colts' season ended that he had no desire to hang up his cleats, so look for Indianapolis to re-sign the veteran on a one-year deal when he hits free agency in March. Though his scoring production declined in 2017 without Andrew Luck (shoulder) directing the offense, Vinatieri was reliable as usual, converting 29 of 34 field-goal attempts and 22 of 24 extra-point tries. Two of those misses from the field came in challenging blizzard conditions in Buffalo in Week 14.

Published: Tue, Feb 20 at 9:37am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri converted both field-goal attempts (from 54 and 22 yards) and both extra-point attempts in Sunday's win over Houston.

Analysis: Vinatieri has said he plans to play in 2018 at age 45, but he's a free agent and it's not clear if he'll return to the Colts. Vinatieri may want to play for a team with better playoff prospects. Vinatieri showed he can still kick from long range as he made 5-of-6 field-goal attempts from 50 yards or more in 2017.

Published: Sun, Dec 31 at 9:54pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri converted three of five field-goal tries in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Ravens. He also knocked in his lone extra-point attempt.

Analysis: The pair of misses was somewhat excusable, as Vinatieri's 60-yard try at the end of the first half came up short, while his 38-yard attempt in the first quarter was blocked. The veteran now sits at a respectable 27-for-32 mark from the field on the season and doesn't seem intent on calling it quits as he prepares to conclude his 22nd NFL campaign. According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, Vinatieri, who turned 45 years old this week, said he plans on playing in 2018.

Published: Sun, Dec 24 at 6:31am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made both field-goal attempts (from 39 and 45 yards) and his only extra-point attempt in Thursday's loss to Denver.

Analysis: Vinatieri missed both field-goal attempts last week at Buffalo amid brutal blizzard conditions, but bounced back when home in a dome.

Published: Fri, Dec 15 at 1:52pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri missed both field-goal attempts from 43 and 33 yards in blizzard conditions in Sunday's 13-7 overtime loss at Buffalo. He did make a 43-yard extra point attempt.

Analysis: It was almost impossible to convert any field-goal attempts amid blowing wind and six inches of snow, so it's hard to read too much into his misses. It was more amazing that Vinatieri actually converted the 43-yard extra-point attempt that had been pushed back after a penalty.

Published: Mon, Dec 11 at 11:12am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Analysis: Vinatieri's fantasy prospects were bleak enough with a weak Colts offense supporting him, but the weather in Buffalo certainly won't do him any favors. Heading into Sunday, the veteran owns an 11-for-20 mark on career field-goal attempts in Orchard Park, by far his worst success rate at any opposing venue.

Published: Sun, Dec 10 at 9:32am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made a 27-yard field goal and his lone extra-point try in Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Jaguars.

Analysis: Vinatieri has now made 22 of 23 field goals this season, helping him accumulate 83 points thus far.

Published: Mon, Dec 4 at 7:00pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri converted all three of his field-goal attempts and his only extra-point try en route to 10 points in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Titans.

Analysis: Vinatieri has now tallied double digits in four of his last six outings, moving him into the top 15 in scoring this season.

Published: Mon, Nov 27 at 6:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri converted both of his field-goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries en route to eight points in Sunday's 20-14 win over the Texans.

Analysis: Vinatieri moved into second on the NFL's career scoring list with his performance, which included a 53-yard make. Although he hasn't missed a field goal since Week 1, the Colts' eighth-worst scoring offense leaves Vinatieri in 14th in scoring among kickers this season.

Published: Mon, Nov 6 at 6:29pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri (back) practiced fully Thursday.

Analysis: Vinatieri is slated to be available to kick Sunday against the Texans, working behind an offense that's now slated to be helmed by QB Jacoby Brissett for the remainder of the season with Andrew Luck headed to IR. Vinatieri has been a marginal fantasy option to date due to his team's inconsistent offense, and he's averaged a modest eight points per game thus far.

Published: Thu, Nov 2 at 12:51pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri (back) did not practice Wednesday.

Analysis: More on Vinatieri's status as the week rolls along, but we'd expect him to suit up Sunday against the Texans, as long as the Colts refrain from auditioning other kickers in the coming days.

Published: Wed, Nov 1 at 2:50pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made all three field-goal attempts but missed one of two extra-point attempts in Monday's loss at Tennessee.

Analysis: Vinatieri made a 52-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter, which continues his recent success on attempts of 50 yards or more. He's 21-of-26 (80.1 percent) on field goals of 50 yards or more since the the start of the 2013 season after he turned 40 years old. His only negative this season is that he's 9-of-11 of extra-point attempts.

Published: Tue, Oct 17 at 9:09am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made all four field-goal attempts, including a game-winning 51-yard field goal in overtime, in Sunday's 26-23 win over the 49ers. It was the 27th game-winning kick of his career.

Analysis: It was an NFL record 10th game-winning kick in overtime. After missing both a field-goal and extra-point attempt in Week 1, he hasn't missed a kick in four subsequent contests (8-for-8 on field-goal attempts).

Published: Mon, Oct 9 at 12:20pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made both field-goal attempts from 46 and 29 yards in Sunday's loss to Arizona. He also converted his only extra-point attempt.

Analysis: Vinatieri missed a 38-yard field-goal attempt and an extra-point attempt in Week 1, so it was good to see him bounce back in Week 2.

Published: Mon, Sep 18 at 10:27am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made a field goal from 20 yards, but missed an attempt from 38 yards in Sunday's loss to the Rams. He also missed an extra-point attempt.

Analysis: It was an uncharacteristically poor day for Vinatieri. He'll likely bounce back, but it's always a worry he may unexpectedly decline at his age (44). He may also get fewer opportunities to score this season with Indy's offense looking terrible in the absence of an injured Andrew Luck.

Published: Mon, Sep 11 at 12:04pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

"All indications" have Vinatieri wanting to play at least two more seasons, Kevin Bowen of the Colts' official site reports.

Analysis: Vinatieri, now 44 years old, hasn't taken his foot off gas pedal during the twilight of his career considering he's converted at least 93 percent of his field goals in two of the past three years and has only missed seven kicks across that entire span. If he plays at least two more seasons, he should pass both Morten Anderson and Gary Anderson for the all-time marks in career points scored and career field goals made.

Published: Wed, Jul 19 at 5:24pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri converted 27 of 31 field goal attempts and all 44 of his extra points during the 2016 season.

Analysis: Vinatieri, playing at 43 years old the majority of the season, tied for the sixth-best field goal percentage in the league at 87.1 percent. He was one of the few kickers to not miss an extra point throughout the year, too, and was a fantastic 7-for-9 on kicks longer than 50 yards. Set to return for the Colts in 2017, Vinatieri is yet to show any signs of slowing down his Hall of Fame career.

Published: Mon, Jan 16 at 4:52pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri ended a streak of 44 consecutive field goals made with a missed 42-yard attempt in Sunday's win over Tennessee. He did hit from 49 yards, while making all three extra-point attempts.

Analysis: It's certainly hard to complain about any Vinatieri misses, and the 49-yard conversion late in the game was another sign there's no cause for alarm.

Published: Mon, Nov 21 at 10:57am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri extended his streak of consecutive made field goals to a NFL record 43 in Sunday's win over Tennessee. He made both field-goal and all four extra-point attempts.

Analysis: Vinatieri converted on a 33-yard field goal in the third quarter to pass Mike Vanderjagt for the NFL record. Even at age 43, Vinatieri shows no signs of slowing down.

Published: Mon, Oct 24 at 12:36pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made all three field-goal attempts in Sunday's loss to Houston, along with both extra-point attempts. He's made 41 consecutive field goals and is just one away from the NFL record.

Analysis: Alas, Vinatieri didn't get a chance to tie the record with a game-winning attempt as the Colts couldn't get into field-goal range in a tied game late in the fourth quarter or overtime. Vinatieri is having an amazing late-career peak at age 43.

Published: Mon, Oct 17 at 10:36am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made all five field -goal attempts and both extra-point attempts in Sunday's win over Chicago. His current streak of 38 made field goals is the third longest in NFL history, according to ESPN.

Analysis: Vinatieri has made all 13 field goals this season, including 10 of 40 yards or more. He shows no signs of slowing down at age 43.

Published: Mon, Oct 10 at 11:42am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made both field goals, from 50 and 40 yards, and all three extra point attempts in Sunday's loss to Detroit.

Analysis: Vinatieri began where he left off last season as he's made now made 27 consecutive field goals.

Published: Mon, Sep 12 at 10:44am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Through the Colts' first three preseason games, Vinatieri has made five of six field goal attempts and three of four extra point attempts.

Analysis: The 43-year-old shook off some rust this preseason, as he's missed one field goal and one extra point so far. Those misses shouldn't cause any concern, as Vinatieri heads into his 21st season as one of the best and most reliable kickers in NFL history.

Published: Mon, Aug 29 at 11:22am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Colts and Vinatieri agreed to a contract extension Tuesday, the team's official site reports.

Analysis: After completing 10 years apiece with both the Patriots and Colts, the symmetry was there for Vinatieri to call it a career, but the 43-year-old will keep on trucking with the latter organization. Despite failing to connect on a field goal until Week 4 this past season, he amassed 100-plus points for the 18th time on the backs of 25 field goals. Moreover, he was proficient from the new extra-point distance, connecting on 32 of 35 attempts. With Andrew Luck unlikely to endure back-to-back…read more

Published: Tue, Mar 8 at 4:33pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri confirmed Tuesday that he intends to play next season, Zak Keefer of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Analysis: As a 43-year kicker on an expiring contract, there was some reason to question whether Vinatieri would return for his 21st NFL season in 2016. However, after weighing the decision during the off season, the veteran kicker intends to keep playing. "Not only a season, but Lord willing, a couple of years. There will come a time when it's over for me. i don't think that time is yet," Vinatieri told the Indianapolis Star. Vinatieri only attempted 27 field goals last season, but he converted on 25 of…read more

Published: Tue, Feb 9 at 10:20am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made all three field goals he attempted, including a 52-yarder, during Sunday's win over the Titans.

Analysis: Vinatieri also connected on all three of his extra point attempts in the final game of his 20th NFL season. He finishes the 2015 campaign having made 25 of 27 field-goal attempts, including a long one of 55 yards, to go along with 32 of 35 extra points. The 43-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent after a successful season, so the Colts could elect to bring him back for at least one more year.

Published: Mon, Jan 4 at 12:17pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made his only field-goal attempt from 44 yards in Sunday's win at Atlanta for his career 26th winning kick in either the final minute of regulation or overtime, the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Vinatieri also made all three of his extra point attempts. After missing a field goal in each of his first two games, he has made 12 consecutive field goals, including three from 50 yards or more.

Published: Mon, Nov 23 at 12:12pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Vinatieri made all four field goals he attempted, including a 50-yard field goal in overtime, in Monday's loss to Carolina.

Analysis: After missing his first two field-goal attempts of the season, Vinatieri has made in a row, including two of 50 yards or more.

Published: Tue, Nov 3 at 11:25am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com